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Green design & eco innovation for a better worldTue, 03 Mar 2015 20:20:56 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.1Astronauts can sip espresso in space thanks to PSU’s 3D-printed zero gravity cuphttp://inhabitat.com/astronauts-can-sip-espresso-in-space-thanks-to-psus-3d-printed-zero-gravity-cup/
http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-can-sip-espresso-in-space-thanks-to-psus-3d-printed-zero-gravity-cup/#commentsTue, 16 Dec 2014 17:00:32 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=709969Astronauts have a pretty rough time living in a microgravity environment. Sure, at first there's exhilaration at the whole floating experience, but then one has to learn to pee into a vacuum cleaner and season food with liquid salt. And as for a morning espresso]]>

Astronauts have a pretty rough time living in a microgravity environment. Sure, at first there’s exhilaration at the whole floating experience, but then one has to learn to pee into a vacuum cleaner and season food with liquid salt. And as for a morning espresso with that perfect crema? Well, that was pure fantasy, until a team at Portland State University developed an ingenious 3D-printed cup that lets astronauts sip their morning latte in style. Check out a video of the cup in action below!

]]>http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-can-sip-espresso-in-space-thanks-to-psus-3d-printed-zero-gravity-cup/feed/0INTERVIEW: Mike Chen of Made in Space Explains How 3D Printing is Going into Spacehttp://inhabitat.com/interview-mike-chen-of-made-in-space-explains-how-3d-printing-is-going-into-space/
http://inhabitat.com/interview-mike-chen-of-made-in-space-explains-how-3d-printing-is-going-into-space/#commentsMon, 17 Nov 2014 05:12:13 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=571552Previously on Inhabitat we've written about Made in Space’s ambitious plans to bring 3D printing to the International Space Station. But how will such technology work when everything is floating? To find out, we caught up with Made in Space co-founder, Mike]]>

Previously on Inhabitat we’ve written about Made in Space’s ambitious plans to bring 3D printing to the International Space Station. But how will such technology work when everything is floating? To find out, we caught up with Made in Space co-founder, Mike Chen. Mike discussed with us the challenges of extruding plastic in microgravity, how one designs a printer made for space, and how this technology could benefit future space missions. Keep reading to learn more about how the ever-popular, advanced manufacturing method is entering the final frontier.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/interview-mike-chen-of-made-in-space-explains-how-3d-printing-is-going-into-space/feed/0NASA to Launch New Ultra-Light Inflatable Habitats for the International Space Stationhttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-to-launch-new-ultra-light-inflatable-habitats-for-the-international-space-station/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-to-launch-new-ultra-light-inflatable-habitats-for-the-international-space-station/#commentsTue, 10 Jun 2014 21:34:16 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=658840NASA just unveiled a new ultra-light expandable habitat designed to expand the capacity of the International Space Station. The 13-foot long and 11-foot wide Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) weighs 70 percent less than similarly-sized rigid modules]]>

NASA just unveiled a new ultra-light expandable habitat designed to expand the capacity of the International Space Station. The 13-foot long and 11-foot wide Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) weighs 70 percent less than similarly-sized rigid modules and will be able to accommodate up to six astronauts.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-to-launch-new-ultra-light-inflatable-habitats-for-the-international-space-station/feed/0NASA Speeds Towards the First 3D-Printed Creations Made in Spacehttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-speeds-towards-the-first-3d-printed-creations-made-in-space/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-speeds-towards-the-first-3d-printed-creations-made-in-space/#commentsMon, 30 Sep 2013 16:32:30 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=565428The dream of 3D printing in space is speeding ever closer to reality. Last year, word that NASA intended to send a 3D printer to space smacked of a lofty dream machine. But just a few weeks ago, Made in Space wrapped up another pre-launch 3D-printing test,]]>

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-speeds-towards-the-first-3d-printed-creations-made-in-space/feed/0NASA Reveals Plans to Start Growing Vegetables in Space this Yearhttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-reveals-plans-to-start-growing-vegetables-in-space-this-year/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-reveals-plans-to-start-growing-vegetables-in-space-this-year/#commentsThu, 12 Sep 2013 16:30:47 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=557565NASA is planning to grow fresh vegetables in space, 230 miles above the Earth. Later this year the space agency’s Vegetable Production System (VEGGIE) program will send astronauts to the International Space Station with kits to grow six romaine lettuce]]>

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-reveals-plans-to-start-growing-vegetables-in-space-this-year/feed/0NASA Approves First 3D Printer for Use in Spacehttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-approves-first-3d-printer-for-use-in-space/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-approves-first-3d-printer-for-use-in-space/#commentsTue, 30 Jul 2013 14:34:40 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=5392893D printing technology has quickly claimed an integral role in the design world, and now the first 3D printer is set to make its way out to space. NASA just approved the first 3D printer for use aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Created by Made]]>

3D printing technology has quickly claimed an integral role in the design world, and now the first 3D printer is set to make its way out to space. NASA just approved the first 3D printer for use aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Created by Made in Space in collaboration with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the 3D printer is safe enough to withstand conditions on the ISS, and will make its first trip next year.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-approves-first-3d-printer-for-use-in-space/feed/03D-Textured Solar Cells to be Tested on the International Space Stationhttp://inhabitat.com/3d-textured-solar-cells-to-be-tested-on-the-international-space-station/
http://inhabitat.com/3d-textured-solar-cells-to-be-tested-on-the-international-space-station/#commentsWed, 10 Apr 2013 21:13:14 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=499729In one of the first experiments to take place on the outside of the International Space Station (ISS), a new type of 3D-textured solar cell will soak up 16 sunrises everyday from the "back porch" of the orbiting research vessel. The carbon nanotube cell was]]>

In one of the first experiments to take place on the outside of the International Space Station (ISS), a new type of 3D-textured solar cell will soak up 16 sunrises everyday from the “back porch” of the orbiting research vessel. The carbon nanotube cell was designed by Georgia Tech Professor W. Jud Ready, and it features an experimental 3D coating that “traps” light. In Earth-based tests the next-gen solar cells have yielded a greater efficiency than conventional flat solar cells.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/3d-textured-solar-cells-to-be-tested-on-the-international-space-station/feed/0NASA To Combat Astronaut Insomnia with Programmable LED Bulbshttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-to-combat-astronaut-insomnia-with-programmable-led-bulbs/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-to-combat-astronaut-insomnia-with-programmable-led-bulbs/#commentsWed, 19 Dec 2012 15:05:09 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=467909When it’s your job to work in space, there is no such thing as a simple day in the office—and with all the challenges astronauts face, they also often struggle with a shortage of sleep. About half of all astronauts rely on sleep medication at some point]]>

When it’s your job to work in space, there is no such thing as a simple day in the office—and with all the challenges astronauts face, they also often struggle with a shortage of sleep. About half of all astronauts rely on sleep medication at some point in order to get shut-eye. NASA is hoping to change that with a deceptively simple solution: updating the light bulbs in the Space Station with programmable LEDs that change color to mimic a more familiar, earthly day and night schedule.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-to-combat-astronaut-insomnia-with-programmable-led-bulbs/feed/0New Research Finds Climate Change is Disrupting Satellites and Space Debris in the Atmospherehttp://inhabitat.com/new-research-finds-climate-change-is-disrupting-satellites-and-space-debris-in-the-atmosphere/
http://inhabitat.com/new-research-finds-climate-change-is-disrupting-satellites-and-space-debris-in-the-atmosphere/#commentsWed, 14 Nov 2012 15:32:01 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=458036Climate change is not just affecting what is happening on the surface of the Earth, but also what is taking place in the outer reaches of the atmosphere. An article published in the journal Nature Geoscience last week by the U.S Naval Research Laboratory's]]>

Climate change is not just affecting what is happening on the surface of the Earth, but also what is taking place in the outer reaches of the atmosphere. An article published in the journal Nature Geoscience last week by the U.S Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Science Division described how global warming is affecting satellites and spacecraft orbiting the planet. With over 22,000 pieces of debris floating around the globe, even the smallest bit of junk jostled out of place could cause potential harm to information and communications systems.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/new-research-finds-climate-change-is-disrupting-satellites-and-space-debris-in-the-atmosphere/feed/1British 19-Year-Old Takes Incredible Satellite Pictures Using a £30 Camera and a Helium Balloon.http://inhabitat.com/british-19-year-old-takes-incredible-satellite-pictures-using-a-30-camera-and-a-helium-balloon/
http://inhabitat.com/british-19-year-old-takes-incredible-satellite-pictures-using-a-30-camera-and-a-helium-balloon/#commentsMon, 10 Sep 2012 15:30:26 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=434651It seems that taking amazing pictures of Earth from space is no longer a task solely for NASA and astronauts on board the International Space Station. A 19-year old teenager in the UK has managed to take incredible photos of the Earth from space by floating]]>

It seems that taking amazing pictures of Earth from space is no longer a task solely for NASA and astronauts on board the International Space Station. A 19-year old teenager in the UK has managed to take incredible photos of the Earth from space by floating a £30 camera into the atmosphere using a large helium balloon.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/british-19-year-old-takes-incredible-satellite-pictures-using-a-30-camera-and-a-helium-balloon/feed/1Astronauts Fix the International Space Station With a Modified Common Toothbrushhttp://inhabitat.com/astronauts-fix-the-international-space-station-with-a-modified-common-toothbrush/
http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-fix-the-international-space-station-with-a-modified-common-toothbrush/#commentsFri, 07 Sep 2012 17:46:41 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=433889Toothbrush photo from Shutterstock
When it comes to sheer ingenuity, you can't beat the geniuses at NASA. After all, these are the people that put the Curiosity Rover on Mars, men on the moon and improvised a way to adapt Apollo 13's square carbon dioxide]]>Toothbrush photo from Shutterstock

]]>http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-fix-the-international-space-station-with-a-modified-common-toothbrush/feed/0NASA Testing Space-Based 3D Printers to Create Tools on Trips to Marshttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-testing-space-based-3d-printers-to-create-tools-on-trips-to-mars/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-testing-space-based-3d-printers-to-create-tools-on-trips-to-mars/#commentsTue, 24 Jul 2012 21:24:55 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=414189When something breaks in space, ordering a replacement part can be an astronomical inconvenience. Yet, what if astronauts could simply produce the components they needed on demand? NASA is currently testing a new breed of 3D printers that can create]]>

When something breaks in space, ordering a replacement part can be an astronomical inconvenience. Yet, what if astronauts could simply produce the components they needed on demand? NASA is currently testing a new breed of 3D printers that can create pieces of equipment in low parabolic flights on Earth – and they hope to one day send the technology to Mars.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-testing-space-based-3d-printers-to-create-tools-on-trips-to-mars/feed/0NASA Astronauts On Mars Mission Will Eat 100% Vegan Menuhttp://inhabitat.com/nasa-astronauts-on-mars-mission-will-eat-100-vegan-menu/
http://inhabitat.com/nasa-astronauts-on-mars-mission-will-eat-100-vegan-menu/#commentsFri, 20 Jul 2012 20:26:43 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=412659As NASA gears up for its proposed manned missions to Mars in 2030, the space administration's Advanced Food Technology (AFT) project is ensuring that the crew will have a completely vegan diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and even live plants. We've long been]]>

]]>http://inhabitat.com/nasa-astronauts-on-mars-mission-will-eat-100-vegan-menu/feed/1Ex-Google Engineering Chief Joins Lunar Freight Company Moon Expresshttp://inhabitat.com/ex-google-engineering-chief-joins-lunar-freight-company-moon-express/
http://inhabitat.com/ex-google-engineering-chief-joins-lunar-freight-company-moon-express/#commentsTue, 17 Jul 2012 14:10:16 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=411109Half Moon Image by Shutterstock
Transferring from online books to interplanetary space travel is quite the career change, but that is exactly what Google Books alum Jimi Crawford is doing. Crawford used to work as an engineering chief for the Mountain]]>Half Moon Image by Shutterstock

Transferring from online books to interplanetary space travel is quite the career change, but that is exactly what Google Books alum Jimi Crawford is doing. Crawford used to work as an engineering chief for the Mountain View tech giant, but he recently joined private space company Moon Express, where he will be tasked with developing robotic systems to transport equipment to and from the moon for private companies.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/ex-google-engineering-chief-joins-lunar-freight-company-moon-express/feed/0Astronauts to Hold Zero-G Olympics Aboard the International Space Station!http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-to-hold-zero-g-olympics-aboard-the-international-space-station/
http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-to-hold-zero-g-olympics-aboard-the-international-space-station/#commentsWed, 20 Jun 2012 13:12:41 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=401825The 2012 London Olympics is just around the corner, and for the host city the event has cost millions of pounds and taken years of planning — but one team of astronauts think they can create their own games without the expensive resources. Instead of watching]]>

The 2012 London Olympics is just around the corner, and for the host city the event has cost millions of pounds and taken years of planning — but one team of astronauts think they can create their own games without the expensive resources. Instead of watching the games like the rest of us, the crew of the International Space Station are planning on holding their own zero-g version of the Olympics!

]]>http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-to-hold-zero-g-olympics-aboard-the-international-space-station/feed/0Astronauts and the Pope Have Orbit to Earth Talk About Peace Through Solar Panelshttp://inhabitat.com/astronauts-and-the-pope-have-orbit-to-earth-talk-about-peace-through-solar-panels/
http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-and-the-pope-have-orbit-to-earth-talk-about-peace-through-solar-panels/#commentsMon, 23 May 2011 15:09:03 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=254434Astronauts on the international space station chatted from space with Pope Benedict on Saturday about how research on the space station into renewable energy could help promote peace on Earth. The Pope, speaking from the Vatican, was curious to hear the space]]>

Astronauts on the international space station chatted from space with Pope Benedict on Saturday about how research on the space station into renewable energy could help promote peace on Earth. The Pope, speaking from the Vatican, was curious to hear the space station’s current inhabitants’ thoughts, and shuttle Endeavor commander Mark Kelly was quick to offer his ideas on how their solar energy research could help decrease fighting over energy sources on Earth.

]]>http://inhabitat.com/astronauts-and-the-pope-have-orbit-to-earth-talk-about-peace-through-solar-panels/feed/0How Space Technology Is Making Glass Production Greenerhttp://inhabitat.com/how-space-travel-is-making-glass-production-greener/
http://inhabitat.com/how-space-travel-is-making-glass-production-greener/#commentsWed, 04 May 2011 17:50:34 +0000http://inhabitat.com/?p=246611Thanks to space travel and the European Space Agency, glass is now being produced more efficiently than ever before. Now you would be forgiven for thinking glass production was already quite green - you need sand and heat and that's it, so what could the]]>

Thanks to space travel and the European Space Agency, glass is now being produced more efficiently than ever before. Now you would be forgiven for thinking glass production was already quite green – you need sand and heat and that’s it, so what could the ESA do to make it even more efficient? Well it seems that the technology used in space is being utilized to produce super-efficient energy-saving windows that protect occupants against heat loss during cold weather and against overheating on warm summer days.